§2282A Devices or Dangerous Substances in Waters of the United States Likely to Destroy or Damage Ships or to Interfere with Maritime Commerce

Summary

It is a crime to knowingly put or cause to be put a device or dangerous substance into U.S. navigable waters if the person intends to destroy or damage a ship or its cargo, block safe navigation, or disrupt maritime commerce. A person convicted can be fined, imprisoned for any number of years, imprisoned for life, or both. If someone dies because of that act, the person can be sentenced to death. Lawful U.S. government activities are not covered. Dangerous substance: any solid, liquid, or gas that can damage a vessel or interfere with navigation. Device: any object whose physical, mechanical, structural, or chemical properties can damage a vessel or interfere with navigation.